Controversial Remarks On Aspiring Filmmakers From SC/ST Communities
Dinu Veil, who sent the complaints to the police and Commission in an email, alleged that Adoor, through his comments, allegedly portrayed members of the SC/ST community as either criminals or corrupt individuals
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-08-04 12:21 GMT
A complaint has been filed against acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about aspiring filmmakers from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC, ST) communities.
Dalit activist Dinu Veil lodged the complaint with the Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram and also approached the SC/ST Commission, seeking action under provisions of the SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
In his emailed complaint, Dinu alleged that Adoor’s comments, made at a recent film conclave organised by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), painted members of SC, ST communities as corrupt or criminal. He claimed this amounted to deliberate humiliation under Section 3(1) of the Act.
Adoor had suggested during the conclave that SC, ST filmmakers, who receive `1.5 crore under a government scheme, should undergo formal training before accessing the funds. The statement, widely reported and telecast, sparked strong reactions from Dalit groups and others.
Dinu said Adoor’s words implied that SC, ST beneficiaries were interested only in taking the government aid and fleeing. “His speech, made in a public forum and broadcast across channels, perpetuated a narrative of distrust,” he said.
The backlash was swift. Singer Pushpavathi stood up during Adoor’s speech to register her protest. Filmmaker Dr Biju also criticised the remarks. “Creativity does not require formal training. Many from the SC, ST communities and women have proven that they can create impactful cinema without institutional backing,” Dr Biju said.
Adoor responded to the controversy by denying any intent to insult SC, ST filmmakers. “I only meant that proper training could help young filmmakers utilise the funds better and make quality films. The media took my comments out of context,” he said.
In his emailed complaint, Dinu alleged that Adoor’s comments, made at a recent film conclave organised by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), painted members of SC, ST communities as corrupt or criminal. He claimed this amounted to deliberate humiliation under Section 3(1) of the Act.
Adoor had suggested during the conclave that SC, ST filmmakers, who receive `1.5 crore under a government scheme, should undergo formal training before accessing the funds. The statement, widely reported and telecast, sparked strong reactions from Dalit groups and others.
Dinu said Adoor’s words implied that SC, ST beneficiaries were interested only in taking the government aid and fleeing. “His speech, made in a public forum and broadcast across channels, perpetuated a narrative of distrust,” he said.
The backlash was swift. Singer Pushpavathi stood up during Adoor’s speech to register her protest. Filmmaker Dr Biju also criticised the remarks. “Creativity does not require formal training. Many from the SC, ST communities and women have proven that they can create impactful cinema without institutional backing,” Dr Biju said.
Adoor responded to the controversy by denying any intent to insult SC, ST filmmakers. “I only meant that proper training could help young filmmakers utilise the funds better and make quality films. The media took my comments out of context,” he said.